Speculating about CausesSpeculating about Causes

Chapter 9Chapter 9

PurposePurpose

Demonstrate that a phenomenon or trend (not Demonstrate that a phenomenon or trend (not fad or event) existsfad or event) exists over an extended period of months or yearsover an extended period of months or years

Argue for its possible causesArgue for its possible causes It is a researchable topicIt is a researchable topic The causes are not already settled; therefore The causes are not already settled; therefore

still require speculationstill require speculation Topic is interesting to readersTopic is interesting to readers

DefinitionsDefinitions

Phenomenon Phenomenon a notable and fairly constant fact of lifea notable and fairly constant fact of life Permanent pattern of activity; continues to happenPermanent pattern of activity; continues to happen Ways that they happen do not changeWays that they happen do not change

Trend Trend an increase or decrease in some activityan increase or decrease in some activity A change over timeA change over time Identifies an activity that is increasing/decreasingIdentifies an activity that is increasing/decreasing Usually are begun & sustained by a combination of Usually are begun & sustained by a combination of

causescauses

Requirements Requirements

Need to do researchNeed to do research Document the trend/phenomena Document the trend/phenomena Learn alternative causes to accept or rejectLearn alternative causes to accept or reject

Topics to avoidTopics to avoid

Some topics may become difficult to go Some topics may become difficult to go beyond the obvious explanationbeyond the obvious explanation Increase use of DVDsIncrease use of DVDs Decline cost of handheld calculatorsDecline cost of handheld calculators Increasing use of cell phonesIncreasing use of cell phones

HELPFUL HINTSHELPFUL HINTS

Before writing, jot down everything you know Before writing, jot down everything you know about the subject and list possible causes for it.about the subject and list possible causes for it.

Library research may be necessary to Library research may be necessary to document the trend.document the trend.

First, argue that a trend exists and then argue First, argue that a trend exists and then argue for some possible causes of it.for some possible causes of it.

Steer away from events with a single, obvious Steer away from events with a single, obvious explanationexplanation

Good TopicsGood Topics

Why we crave celebrity Why we crave celebrity gossipgossip

Teenage suicideTeenage suicide Coffee/Cappuccino/Coffee/Cappuccino/

Lattes, etc.Lattes, etc. Reality TVReality TV Police showsPolice shows Soap operasSoap operas

Why students fluck out Why students fluck out of college/high schoolof college/high school

Teenage pregnancyTeenage pregnancy Teenage drinking/drug Teenage drinking/drug

abuseabuse Gas pricesGas prices Violence at schoolsViolence at schools Afternoon lullAfternoon lull p. 477-480p. 477-480